Herald Of The Valley

From "L'Historie des Chiens Celebres."

The Poet's Dog.--The manner in which Pope, the greatest of English poets, was preserved by the uncommon sagacity of his dog, was truly remarkable. This animal, who was called Marquis, could never agree with a favourite servant of this illustrious writer; he constantly growled when near him, and would even show his teeth whenever this servant approached. Although the English poet was singularly attached to this dog, (who was a spaniel of the largest species,) yet on account of his extreme neatness, which he would never allow him to remain in his chamber. Nevertheless, in spite of the most positive orders, the spaniel would frequently sneak towards evening into the apartment of his master, and would not be driven from it without the greatest difficulty. One evening having slipped very softly to it, without being perceived, this animal placed himself under the bed of his master, and remained there, scarcely breathing. Towards morning, the servant rushed hastily into the chamber of Pope. At this moment, the faithful dog suddenly left his post, and leaped on the villain, who was armed with a pistol. The poet started from his sleep --he threw open the window to call for assistance, and beheld three highwaymen, who had been introduced by his servant into the garden of his villa, for the purpose of robbing him of his most valuable possessions, after having assassinated him.-- Disconcerted by this unforeseen accident, the robbers hesitated a moment, and then took to flight. The servant thus betrayed by the watchful dog, was sentenced to forfeit his life. How powerful the instinct of this faithful animal, by whose astonishing sagacity was thus preserved the life of a man of whose name England may justly boast.

The same dog, shortly after this singular event, exhibited another proof of his remarkable instinct. Pope, reposing one afternoon in a little wood, about three leagues distant from his house, lost a watch of immense value. On returning home the Poet wished to know the hour, and found his watch was not in his fob. Two or three nights had elapsed, and a violent storm was just commencing. The master called his dog, and making a sign which Marquis very well understood, he said, "I have lost my watch, go look for it," At these words Marquis departed, quick as the flash which lighted his steps, and repaired no doubt to every spot at which his master had stopped, It so happened that the poor animal was so long occupied in the search as to create great anxiety, for midnight had arrived and he had not returned. What was the astonishment of Pope, when on rising in the morning, he opened his chamber door, and there beheld his faithful messenger laying quietly and holding in his mouth the splendid jewel with which he returned perfectly uninjured and which was the more highly valued by the Poet, as it had been presented him by the Queen of England.